If your device is Bluetooth Smart Ready then it’s compatible with Bluetooth Smart and Bluetooth but if it’s Smart then it’s not compatible with regular Bluetooth. Got that? Good.

The Bluetooth SIG, never content to leave well enough alone, as introduced three new “icons” for their new 4.0 standard. “Best” Bluetooth devices will support both “old” Bluetooth and 4.0 while Smart devices will only support 4.0. In short, Smart Ready devices will support dual modes and work the way with which we are currently familiar in devices like laptops, phones, and PCs, while Smart devices will support ultra low power devices like heart rate monitors and pedometers, allowing Bluetooth to come up against wireless standards like ANT.

Does this effect you in any way? Probably not except that “Smart Ready” phones will be able to connect with your workout gear. Otherwise, this is the same old Bluetooth you know and love except that 4.0 allows for reduced power consumption because the connection “pulses” rather than maintain a constant connection. It’s available now on the 4S and the new MacBooks.

So when you think of Bluetooth, think of “Smart” as “not really Bluetooth, but Nike will support it soon” and “Smart Ready” as “I can connect my heart rate monitor to this and it takes less battery.” Bluetooth is, well, still Bluetooth. You can read a bit more here, but now you know and knowing is, as we all know, half the battle.

Looks like Bose is taking another swing at phone accessories because the company has just revealed their new Series 2 Bluetooth headset.

So what exactly does Bose bring to the party this time? Aside from the basics, like A2DP streaming and multiple ear tips in the box, the Series 2 has a few new tricks up its sleeves.

The Series 2 packs a two-microphone configuration meant to reduce background noise, and Bose’s new Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology. Bose claims that thanks to AAA, the headset will be able to adjust its output in different environments. Taking a quiet call at a fancy restaurant would mean a lower volume level so as not to blow out your eardrum, while the Series 2 would crank up the sound while at a loud party.

Perhaps the best thing about the Bose Series 2 is that it finally comes in left and right ear versions. That’s right — their original model was specifically designed to go in a user’s right ear, so auditory lefties were forced to find an alternative.

At $149, its price eclipses a lot of its competition, but hey — what else is new for Bose? The big question is if the Series 2 will perform well enough to justify the price tag. The Series 2 headset is already live in Bose’s online store, and I’d expect to see it in certain brick-and-mortar retailers before too long.

A bit faster than I expected Casio has now finally debuted its first Bluetooth connected watch. The Casio G-Shock Bluetooth is designed for use with upcoming Bluetooth profile 4.0 mobile phones that are said to be coming soon (a few might already be around). As Bluetooth 4.0 is designated as a “low energy profile,” this watch will retain a 2 year battery life on a single CR2032 battery. So what does it do? In a nutshell the Casio G-Shock Bluetooth with wireless sync with your phone’s time, and help you manage incoming alerts as well as work with your phone’s alarms.

Read More…

You would expect someone with blue hair to wear a purple glove phone. This DIY Bluetooth glove, sourced from a purple fingerless glove and a Bluetooth headset, was made with just a few extra wires and shrink wrapping.

Once fitted, the wires and components were sewn in and a microswitch was added for easy calling and working.

I think this should make a run up on Kickstarter, so that everyone make easy calls with right at their fingertips.

[via instructables]

Outdoor Technology has just come out with some dog-tag-like Bluetooth headphones called OT Tags. You can get them in either black or red and when not in use they hang down like dog tags – see what I mean? The Bluetooth headset offers stereo listening from any Bluetooth device and if the connected device is a phone, then you can also make and receive calls.

The case of each earbud looks to be a bit bigger than one would normally wear, but OT says that’s because they are made from sturdy plastic to survive harsh use. (So if you’re one of those people harsh-using your Bluetooth headsets, then these are for you.) Not only does the big case help protect, but it is also said to improve bass and treble — that sounds more truthful.

The battery lasts for up to 6 hours talk time 5 hours for music listening and 120 hours for standby. Range is 32 feet and if you don’t have Bluetooth on your iDevice, they sell an adapter for $24.95. Price is $79.95 each and are available now.

[via slashgear]

There is something about exchanging information by bumping fists that is deeply satisfying. What I like most about the iPhone app Bump is that it’s different. Its features are nifty enough; transfer money, information, and as of last week, music to someone else by tapping your phone against theirs. More importantly, though, it’s a harbinger of the next wave of the mobile revolution.

Unfortunately, that also means Bump is already doomed.

Most app developers treat smartphones as little more than very small laptops. Location-based apps are the only real exception, which is why they’ve provoked such excitement. But that is obvious low-hanging fruit. Only a very few apps take advantage of the fact that smartphones are constantly with us, portable enough for actions that laptops can’t perform, and frequently within range of a shifting mesh of other devices.

Apple and Google bear much of the blame. In theory, their devices can talk to the nearby world via Bluetooth. In practice, though, the two titans have wired Bluetooth’s jaw shut. Apple’s API only permits connections to very simple services (keyboards, headsets, etc.) or other iOS devices—for anything else, developers must join a special program and sign a sheaf of NDAs. Android is far more open, but still requires explicit user approval every time an app asks to connect to a new Bluetooth device.

You can see why. Apple doesn’t want users downloading songs from iTunes and immediately beaming copies to their friends, and Bluetooth is a battery hog and security threat. But there are other solutions, such as an HTTPS-like certification mechanism. The existing restrictions have all but eliminated a whole genre of apps that could have been: for instance, only a tiny handful of multiplayer games allow Android and iPhone users to go head-to-head, and I’m sure GroupMe would love to form groups out of Bluetooth mesh networks connecting every enabled device in a given room.

Alas, Bluetooth won’t be unshackled anytime soon—but a whole new kind of connection is about to emerge. Last week Google confirmed that Android 2.3 will support Near Field Communication, as will Nokia and RIM smartphones, starting next year. And judging from Apple’s recent hiring of an NFC expert , and patent filings for a probably-NFC-powered iTravel app, the iPhone 5 will boast NFC too.

(Full disclosure / odd coincidence; the iTravel app currently in the App Store was created by, er, me. Let me stress that it has nothing to do with whatever Apple is cooking up.)

NFC opens up a whole cornucopia of possibilities. Phones serving as credit cards, keys, and ID are the most obvious, and least imaginative. Interestingly, NFC can also be used to automatically authorize Bluetooth connections. Next year we’ll see the emergence of a whole new category of apps and startups—and, hopefully, some new unexpected left-field brilliance. Developers, start your engines.

But spare a thought for Bump in this brave new world. What need will anyone have for a service that brilliantly mimics NFC, once the real thing appears? They might eke out a year or two as a substitute service for obsolete phones, but beyond that, I’m sorry to say, the only answer is none whatsoever. So long, Bump. You were a bold pioneer. Cash out while you can, and rest in peace.

[Via akihabara]

All kidding aside, it looks like a nice product. It seems light and effective and, although Bluetooth headsets like this are generally for douches, as long as you take this out of your ear when in mixed company, go for it. But then it costs $79, which is way expensive. Your call.

Product Page

The LBT-PCHP02 are rated as Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, and will be available for shipping to the U.S. when they come available in October. Battery life is around 4 hours, which is a bit limiting. They come in four colors; black, gold, pink, and silver, and have multiple sizes of ear tips as well. MSRP (which is what you’ll pay) is $54 a pair.

I was about to open a can of Samhain on this Brando Bluetooth keyboard until I saw what it looked like backlit. BAM! Great freaking pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

It’s $36 and works with iPad and iPhone as well as all other Bluetooth things.

54 keys handheld style keyboard
Built-in Multimedia hot keys
Slim body that save working place
Backlight keyboard for convenient operation in darkness
Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth V2.0; HID V1.0
Built-in rechargeable battery
On/Off button
iPad / iPad 3G / iPhone 4, iPhone 3Gs and iPhone 3G with iOS4

[via Gizmodo and ReadWriteWeb]

It’s waterproof to 3 meters and you can even use it out of the water. Sadly it’s $57 so it’s a bit pricey, but you guys weren’t going to buy this anyway. Who swims anymore?

IPx8 Certified to waterproof (3-metre/24-hours)
“Noise Rebound” technology makes clear talk
Touch Functionality through case surface
13 hours extra long talk and music time
Easy to detach and rotatble clip
Light reflective
Battery – 360mAh Li-polymer
A2DP / AVRCP / HF
Standy by 240-hours
Version 2.1 + EDR

Product Page

Voice Control Bluetooth Handsfree Car Kit by Moshi.

Not everything Tokyo-based crap gadget maker Thanko churns out is necessarily silly or utterly useless. The infamous company is now offering a Bluetooth wristwatch [JP] with a pretty clever concept: it allows you to detach the device’s LCD and use it as a wireless headset, for example in case you want to make calls or listen to music.

Thanko says the wristwatch is basically compatible to all phones that support Bluetooth 1.2, for example the iPhone or Blackberry. According to the company, its redial function allows you to make a call to the last number dialed by the push of a button. The display can show the current time, the number you just dialed etc.

You can charge the watch via USB for 2 hours, which gives you power for 120 hours stand-by, three to four hours for phone calls, or five to six hours for listening to music via the headset.

People living outside Japan can get the device over at Geek Stuff 4 U (price: $114.95).

Check out this new folding keyboard from Brando. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your favorite devices – even iPad and iPhone 4.

The slim, water resistant and dustproof keyboard made of a high quality silicone material, contains a built-in rechargeable battery, making it a very portable peripheral that can used almost anywhere. Expect this to be one of the quietest portable keyboards around; when you’re done, just quietly and neatly fold it up into a smaller package, and go.

Only $40 and available now.

Oh look, a random pair of UK-only, Bluetooth headphones! They’re the Beewi BBH100, and I will readily admit that they look fairly spiffy. Not too expensive either, at £32.90, or around $50.

The headphones tick most of the boxes you’d like to see… ticked. Bluetooth 2.1 compatibility, 25 hours of battery life (or 200 hours on standby), and a bunch of cellphone-specific buttons (pick-up, hang-up, etc).

Then again, this being 2010 and all, I would be utterly shocked if you didn’t already own a pair of nice headphone, Bluetooth or otherwise.

To wit: here we present the Zii Sound D5 and D200 Bluetooth speakers. I also saw the D100, a $69 entry-level set for the younger crowd, but those aren’t shipping for another month.

The D5, at $299.99 is my absolute favorite. Clad in black plastic and chrome accents, this kit has a surprise – a fully portable iPod/iPad dock that turns your device into a remote control.


You can either connect your device via Bluetooth – A2DP is ideal here – and run the audio through that way or you can connect to the included Bluetooth dongle that actually docks into the speakers when not portable. The sound quality is excellent and can really fill a room. We’ll run it for a few days and I’ll report back.

The D200 is a $99 model that is Bluetooth only. It also has an Aux-In and the audio quality is pretty good for a standard dock. It’s great for an office environment, for example, where you don’t want to dock and forget your phone.

The D5 is available now and the D100 and D200 will be available soon.

Creative Ushers in a New Era of Pure Wireless Music Listening with a Full Range of Wireless Speaker Systems
Experience the Future of Pure Music Today with Wireless Speaker Systems That Work with All Compatible Stereo Bluetooth Portable Devices

MILPITAS, CALIFORNIA – 13 April 2010 – Creative Technology Ltd. today announced the release of a full range of wireless high performance speaker systems comprising the award-winning ZiiSoundTM D5 and Creative InspireTM S2 Wireless, as well as the Creative D200 and Creative D100. This new range of speaker systems offers wireless solutions to suit different lifestyles and defines how people will enjoy music from their portable devices from now on.

The state-of-the-art speaker systems work with any compatible stereo Bluetooth device
- from mobile phones, portable media players to the iPhone, the iPod†, the iPad, netbooks, notebooks and just about every Bluetooth A2DP enabled device.

Incorporating award-winning high quality wireless audio technology and speaker architecture tuned by Creative’s world class audio specialists for the best wireless audio performance possible, each speaker system is engineered to deliver the purest wireless audio in its class.

“Say good-bye to docking speakers because they are going to become a thing of the past. With the emergence of so many wireless capable mobile devices in 2010, Creative is now set to usher in a new era in pure music listening where you can enjoy music with your favourite mobile device through our range of wireless speakers,” said Joseph Liow, Vice President for Personal Digital Entertainment Products at Creative.
“This means that users are now free from the limitation of physically connecting or docking their mobile devices to their speakers to enjoy high quality music without wires – a new era in pure music listening has arrived!”

Listening to pure music wirelessly through a speaker system has never been easier, with 3 different ways to pair devices:
1. Connect the iPhone, the iPod† and the iPad with the iPod Transmitter (included with the ZiiSound D5 speaker system)
2. Connect via a USB Bluetooth Transmitter attached to the netboook or notebook (included with the Creative Inspire S2 Wireless speaker system)
3. Connect via the built-in Bluetooth feature on the mobile device

The ZiiSound D5 speaker system comes bundled with relevant accessories to connect to just about any Bluetooth device for the purest wireless music experience:
1. An iPod Transmitter to connect the iPhone, the iPod† and the iPad
2. An additional USB Transmitter for notebooks and netbooks during the initial launch promotion period at www.creative.com/shop

Creative Pure Wireless Speaker Systems

ZiiSound D5 – Flagship One-Piece Wireless Speaker System

At the heart of Creative’s wireless speaker system line-up is the flagship ZiiSound D5 – the personification of pure wireless audio. This elegant speaker system with a contemporary look that complements any modern interior décor, is a recent winner of the prestigious German-based “red dot award: product design 2010” in the Audio Category for its outstanding design quality and product innovation selected by an international panel of top-class experts.

Incorporating award-winning Bluetooth technology*, apt-X audio codec and speaker architecture tuned for the best wireless audio performance possible, this state-of-the-art speaker system works with any compatible stereo Bluetooth device to deliver the most compelling wireless audio experience.
• Seamless wireless music streaming with any compatible stereo Bluetooth mobile phone, portable media player, netbook, notebook and just about every Bluetooth A2DP enabled device
• Works with the iPhone, the iPod† and the iPad when used with the bundled detachable iPod Transmitter
• apt-X — high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
• Built with premium components
• Full-frame monocoque exoskeleton for maximum rigidity
• In-house acoustics tuning and modelling ensures striking accuracy, detail and atmosphere, setting new benchmarks in one-piece speaker system design
• High performance drivers and digital amplifiers for balanced and dynamic audio clarity
• Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices
• Charges the iPhone and the iPod† while docked

Creative Inspire S2 Wireless – Award-Winning 2.1 Wireless Speaker System

The Creative Inspire S2 Wireless speaker system, winner of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group Best of CES Award 2010, exemplifies the best in the evolution of Bluetooth technology. Enjoy crystal clear audio from its two compact yet high-performance satellite speakers and the highly efficient Creative DIRECT-THROW subwoofer, which delivers dynamic mid-bass – bringing music to life instantly!
• Plug and play wireless audio with any USB notebook or PC (No software drivers required)
• Seamless wireless streaming from any compatible stereo Bluetooth notebook or mobile device
• apt-X — high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
• Creative DIRECT-THROW subwoofer delivers dynamic mid-bass users can feel
• Large slot type rear port tube for improved air flow
• Digital volume control with Headphone-Out for private listening and AUX-In for connecting to MP3 players

Creative D200 – One-Piece Best-in-Class Wireless Speaker System
The Creative D200, while sharing the same sonic soul as the flagship ZiiSound D5, offers similar excellent audio performance at a more competitive price. World class standard in audio tuning enables it to deliver exceptional audiophile-like smoothness in audio quality.
•

Simplistic design and efficient amplifiers and precision drivers encased in a highly braced single shell chassis for a distortion-free soothing playback
• Bluetooth interoperability** allows fuss free wireless connection for music enjoyment with stereo Bluetooth compatible devices such as mobile phones, netbooks, and other mobile devices
• apt-X — high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
• Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices

Creative D100 – Wireless Boombox

The high-efficiency drivers encased in the rear ported enclosure allow the Creative D100 to deliver desired levels of loudness and impactful bass. This versatile and portable speaker system will be an instant hit and the best choice for an affordable wireless boombox.
• Plays high quality wireless audio and controls** music with the iPhone, netbooks and other compatible Bluetooth mobile devices
• Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices
• The Creative D100 is powered by mains power supply or 4 widely available AA batteries. It is truly portable, keeping the music going wherever users go
• Choice of vibrant colours to suit different lifestyles
Pricing and Availability
The Creative wireless speaker systems range will be available at the online store at creative.com/shop in US.

• The ZiiSound D5 is currently available at the suggested retail price of US$299.99.
• The USB Transmitter (BT-D1) worth US$39.99 will be bundled free of charge with the ZiiSound D5 speaker system during the initial launch promotion period from 13 April 2010 while stocks last.
• Both the USB Transmitter (BT-D1) and the iPod Transmitter (BT-D5) are also currently available for purchase as individual accessories at the suggested retail price of US$39.99 each.
• The Creative Inspire S2 Wireless is currently available at the suggested retail price of US$129.99.
• The Creative D200 and Creative D100 will be available from end June 2010 onwards at the suggested retail prices of US$99.99 and US$69.99 respectively.

For in-store availability, please refer to local authorised dealers.

Product Page

The Sound ID 510 headset looks like a good headset in its own right. Supports pairing with two devices simultaneously, a respectable five hours of talk time, and “Environmental Mode to amplify surrounding sound while wearing the headset – allowing clear conversations “On” and “Off” the phone”, which I guess turns the unit into a giant external hearing aid. Sweet!

The Sound ID 510 works with Sound ID’s EarPrint app for the iPhone, though, which makes things a whole lot more interesting. Drag-and-drop sound “personalization” to select the sound mode that you think produces the best audio, plus a visual battery meter for your headset and a “Find Me” function to locate lost headsets. It’s about time these important features were added to the too-pedestrian Bluetooth headset!

The Sound ID 510 headset is coming to AT&T in early June for $129.99. The EarPrint app is free.

A full review of the headset and app are available over at Gear Diary. Sounds like a winner, to me.

Of course, even a useful Bluetooth device like this may not prevent you from being called a “Bluetool“. Use discretion.

Citizen says that this time, they are using an extra-easy to read font and that the clock face can magnify text to 1.2 times the original size. When a message is received on the wearer’s cell phone, the watch glows and vibrates. Users can then read up to 210 characters of a given email (message, subject and body combined). It’s also possible to check the phone’s battery level, set it to silent mode, or turn its alarm sound off.

Citizen will start selling the new wristwatches in Japan tomorrow (price: $330). The only problem is that the watches are only compatible to a few cell phones sold by SoftBank Mobile in Japan.

Despite the fact that this is a less expensive model for Plantronics, they still included some premium features. You’ll still get DSP (for reduced wind noise) and Plantronics classic design. MRSP is $49.95, and the Explorer 395 is currently available from the Plantronics website or from Best Buy until June. After that you’ll be able to pick it up at Amazon, or at Wal-Mart or Apple stores.

From the press release:

SANTA CRUZ, CA – April 20, 2010 – Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT), the world leader in personal audio communications for nearly 50 years, today announced the new Plantronics Explorer(R) 395 Bluetooth(R) headset. Perfect for first-time Bluetooth users, the Explorer 395 is an extremely easy- to-use headset that features a compact, classic design and high-quality audio performance at an affordable price.

“Consumers buying their first Bluetooth headset are most concerned with usability. Product set up and basic operations, such as placing and receiving phone calls, must be intuitive,” said Jeff Ducote, category director for Bluetooth products at Plantronics. “The Explorer 395 achieves this and goes a step further by combining simplicity with great audio quality, reliability and attractive styling.”

Ease of Use and High-Quality Audio Performance

The Plantronics Explorer 395 delivers ease of use through dedicated buttons for volume, power on/off and call answer/end, which eliminate the confusion caused by a single, multi-use button. In addition, the Explorer 395 is universally compatible and includes Plantronics’ QuickPair(TM) technology for fast and easy setup with any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.

The Plantronics Explorer 395 features precision microphone placement and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to reduce noise, echo and wind distortion, ensuring the user’s voice is heard clearly and sounds natural. The DSP technology also improves inbound audio so every word is heard on both sides of the conversation.

At only 11 grams, the Plantronics Explorer 395 headset is lightweight and discreet. It includes a contoured ear tip and ergonomically designed swivel earloop to provide a comfortable, stable fit. The Explorer 395 features premium design accents, including an elegant chrome finish, and is offered in black/silver and bronze/silver colors.

Users will spend less time hassling with chargers thanks to the Plantronics Explorer 395’s long-lasting battery, which provides up to 5 hours of talk time and up to 7 days of standby time. The Explorer 395’s designated slide on/off switch enables users to further preserve battery life between calls, and conveniently auto-connects once power is restored.